Lhasa

The capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa possesses a wealth of Tibetan Buddhist sites of historical and cultural importance. Once the winter retreat of the Dalai Lama, the city today can be divided into east and west, with the former showing a strong Tibetan influence, and the latter a distinctly Han Chinese character. The eastern side contains most of the attractions in Lhasa, including temples, traditional markets, and museums, with each allowing visitors to better understand Tibetan culture and history. The narrow, winding streets of the district house a number of hidden treasures, with small, atmospheric shrines filled with pilgrims paying their respects, and scented with the aroma of incense burning throughout the day. Use our custom trip planner: Lhasa and all its delights await.

Where to stay

Look along the knotted streets of the eastern district of Lhasa for a number of welcoming guesthouses and storied hotels, close to the main Tibetan attractions around Jokhang Temple. With a little more age and character than options out west, the accommodations in this district attract seasoned travelers and cultural enthusiasts. Out to the west sit a good deal more chain hotels and towering hotel and mall complexes, offering a range of additional facilities, such as swimming pools, restaurants, and karaoke bars.